Farmer's Market Takes Root in Riviera Village

Friday afternoon, Susan Hillyer proudly conducted a tour of the growers on hand for Riviera Village's debut farmer's market.

There was MB Farms, known for its dried fruit, and Bernard Farms, an outfit that uses seaweed extract instead of fertilizers. Gamma Farms, which brought potatoes, stone fruit, eggs and honey to the market, does not spray any of its produce, Hillyer explained.

"All of these farmers are certified," she said. "We are bringing new talent to the South Bay."

MB Farms has a local connection—it was established in 1984 by South High graduate Marko Boujikan—but is based in the appropriately named town of Raisin City, CA. 

"We have fifteen varieties of grapes, seven varieties of plums, and we also carry pluots, apriums, pomegranates, and walnuts," Don De Arman of MB Farms said. "We dry all of the fruits that we sell."

The family that owns Vang Farms drives here from Bakersfield. "Their vegetables are some of the best," Hillyer said. 

The market manager explained that Bernard Farms, "which has some of the best citrus fruits," manages the water intake on their plants in addition to avoiding fertilizers. Other farms include LeBahn Farms, known for their eggs and chicken, and LA FunGhi, a mushroom purveyor.

Capay Organic, a family farm started by Catherine Capay in 1976, was also there. Originally 25 acres, it now spans 300.

"We have been organic since the start," mentioned Michelle Huerta of Capay Organic.

Sixteen farmers and one non-agriculture vendor were on hand for the inaugural market.

"I would like the community's input on what they would like to see," Hillyer said. "This is the community's town center so we are here for them."

The Riviera Village Farmer's Market will be open Fridays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Avenue I between Catalina Avenue and Camino de la Costa.